HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major
Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the
Colliers Says the Chancellor has a Golden opportunity to re-assure businesses Although the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Rishi Sunak to postpone both his planned autumn budget and the announcement of plans for public spending until the middle of the decade, today he will be outlining what the government intends to spend for
Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the
The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris
The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) report released today (24 November 2020) on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. The report states that “the Government must improve on the detail if it is to demonstrate that its
Boutique property company MELT Homes is celebrating the official launch of Lime Grove; a stunning new development in Tuffley, Gloucestershire. Complying with current social distancing regulations, the MELT team is inviting interested buyers to visit the new show home to learn all about the developments’ 19 homes that are being
Grade II-listed market building reimagined for community use as a cinema, restaurants and bars Proposals to transform the Grade II-listed Former Covered Market and surrounding land in Woolwich, SE18, into a sustainable new neighbourhood with an estimated GDV of £400 million have been submitted to the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
New 12,000 sq. ft. office building to be built in South Shields will become the towns new relocated Jobcentre Plus. GMI Construction Group has announced that it has been awarded a contract by long-time customer and urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments to construct a new 12,000 sq. ft. office for
HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major works contracts to be awarded on Phase 2a of the project and confirmed the latest ground investigation work package award. Linking Birmingham to Crewe, Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall journey times and freeing up space on the existing network. Known as ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’ (ECW2), the new £50m programme includes a range of enabling works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 58km route. The works will be the first major preparatory activity to be carried out for Britain’s new high speed rail line beyond its first phase, which is now being built between the West Midlands and London. HS2 has already begun a detailed programme of ground investigation along the 2a route and today also confirmed that the latest package – worth £25-30m – has been awarded to Balfour Beatty. Data from this, and previous geological investigations, will inform ongoing design development. Once complete, HS2’s Phase One and 2a will significantly reduce journey times between the capital, north west England and Scotland with services joining the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. This will allow shortened high speed train journeys, including: Glasgow – Euston will be 3hr 45min, saving 44mins Liverpool – Euston will be 1hr 34min, saving 39mins Manchester – Euston will be 1hr 29min, saving 36mins Crewe – Euston will be 53min, saving 34mins Alongside speeding up journey times, the new infrastructure will also free up capacity on the existing network for more local trains and freight by rail. This could see services rise from hourly to half-hourly or better between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent to Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield and Rugeley, as well as more services from Crewe and Runcorn into Liverpool, as well as via Crewe between North Wales, Chester and London. The ECW2 package will awarded via the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework, streamlining the procurement process, benefitting HS2 and potential bidders with contracts expected to be awarded in early 2021. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “The winner of this contract will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and by using the government’s existing framework we hope to streamline the procurement process.” “HS2’s Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline.” Draft legislation to seeking powers to build operate and maintain HS2 phase 2a are currently proceeding through Parliament. Royal Assent is anticipated during the winter.
Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the landmark Paradise Birmingham development. Overbury will configure the space specifically for Mazars’ team and clients, reflecting progressive ways of working and the needs of a modern firm in a post-covid working environment. The cutting-edge design comprises several multi-task, flexible and connected spaces and is tailored to suit the needs of five different generations of employees, all working side-by-side. Mazars employees will be able to choose to work from classic, campus and hotelier-style desk space and a combination of more than 30 agile working spaces, including meeting rooms, booths, breakout spaces and other collaborative working areas. Staff will benefit from a wellbeing lounge, coffee bar and cafe/restaurant, as well as lockable storage. A fully glazed boardroom and meeting suites will make best use of natural daylight and provide striking views of Chamberlain Square throughout the workspace. The installation of folding glass partitions will allow the office to be reconfigured into one large innovation hub with various flexible room arrangements for training, client meetings, conferences and town hall events. A sense of place is reflected in the choice of materials, with stone, limestone, heritage brick and clockwork craftsman detailing, balancing the use of integrated technology. Feature lighting, exposed ceilings and biophilia will create an inviting and contemporary finish. The new space is expected to be completed in Q1 2021 when Mazars will relocate its 200-strong Birmingham team from existing offices in nearby Church Street. Michele Clifton, Office Design Account Manager at Overbury’s Birmingham-based team, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering such a dynamic and collaborative working environment on behalf of Mazars. The design is based on creating the very best workplace for now and the future and has been shaped by input from Mazars’ diverse local team and our learning as an office fit out and refurbishment specialist in developing post-covid spaces. We want to create a truly exceptional experience through a workplace that will be an academy for learning, somewhere that allows for choice and autonomy, encouraging social interaction and striking a balance between work and wellbeing. We’re looking forward to delivering a fully inclusive fit out that places the user at its very heart, giving people a choice of where and how they want to work.” Mazars Birmingham Office Managing Partner, Ian Holder, said: “Our new office in the city centre reinforces our commitment to remaining part of the fabric of the vibrant Birmingham business community, and underscores our confidence in the continued growth of the team for years to come. “Our new office space reflects the firm’s newly launched global brand identity: it is designed for modern ways of working, reflecting the needs of a dynamic and diverse team and client base. It will offer dedicated spaces for sharing ideas, collaborating, and deep focus. Both our team and our clients will find that the office reflects their needs exceptionally well, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming them through the doors.”
Colliers Says the Chancellor has a Golden opportunity to re-assure businesses Although the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Rishi Sunak to postpone both his planned autumn budget and the announcement of plans for public spending until the middle of the decade, today he will be outlining what the government intends to spend for the next financial year 2021-22. According to John Webber, Heads of Business Rates at Colliers International, it is essential the Chancellor does not ignore business rates, which contribute £26 billion net to the economy. The business rates team at Colliers suggests the Chancellor: Announces an extension of the current 2020/2021 100% business rates holiday for the retail and hospitality sectors which is due to end next March- for another six or even twelve months from April 2021; giving the sector time to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is indeed inconceivable that retailers would be able to take back their business rates commitments in April, particularly as they have missed their normal lucrative November trading period. Provides business rates relief for other sectors who have not had the advantages of the business rates holiday. This includes the office sector where many businesses were prohibited from using their offices during Lockdown and workers were told to work from home. Since then many offices have remained empty or only became partly occupied, particularly as the Government insisted on social distancing rules, limiting numbers, discouraging workers from using public transport and now are resorting to lockdown measures again. The financial implications have been dramatic. Colliers appealed to the Government to introduce a business rates holiday for the period of Lockdown and to introduce some reliefs for the disruption to businesses seen since. As we get through a second period of lockdown, this is more important than ever. The Government must extend the deadline dates for applications for the lockdown grants– so that businesses can take advantage of the forthcoming relaxation of current State Aid limits. The European Commission’s “Temporary Framework” states that limits on State Aid will increase to euro 3 million per business for those facing a declining turnover (at least 30% compared to the same period of 2019) due to the coronavirus outbreak. The UK Government has applied to introduce the revised limits but is still waiting for clearance to put this into practice. Meanwhile grant application deadlines are looming; so, without an extension it may be too late for many businesses to benefit. At current limitation levels, only the smaller businesses can benefit from grants. Yet these larger employers are the ones responsible for the majority of jobs. Makes good on the promise to bring in proper business rates reform. The current system is outdated and puts bricks and mortar retailers at a disadvantage to purely on-line rivals or to other sectors. The Government had said it would report back on the first tranche of its consultation on reform this Autumn. As we move into December, we are still waiting… In particular, Colliers urges the Government to bring about an immediate reduction in the multiplier to £0.30, from current levels of £0.51 – making business rates a more affordable tax across the board- so all rate payers can benefit. There should also be an immediate reform of the reliefs system also. Brings in a business rates arrears moratorium for those businesses, who because of the pandemic have been unable to pay their business rates bills. Colliers suggest this should be until April 2021, allowing businesses a chance to sort out their finances. According to latest appeal figures, in the period April 1st to September 30th 2020, an average of 1000 businesses began the appeal process against their businesses rates assessments, on the grounds of an MCC (Material Change of Circumstance) to their business operations as a result of Covid-19 and Lockdown. This shows the scale of the disruption to businesses from the pandemic. Many hard-pressed businesses are now receiving enforcement orders from their billing authorities for failure to pay their rates bills. Colliers urges the Government to instruct Local Billing Authorities to show flexibility and support to business rather than stepping up the heavy-handed court summons. John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers concluded, “The Chancellor has a golden opportunity today to bring some relief to businesses across the country who are struggling as a result of the unprecedented circumstances we have seen in 2020. We urge that he does not ignore business rates and that he reassures businesses that they will not be faced with either untenable bills next Spring or court action now. Failure to do anything may mean the bloodbath we are currently seeing in the retail sector could well spill across other sectors, leading to more closures and job losses across the board.”
Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the city, are owned and managed by Pobl, Wales’ largest provider of affordable housing, who have partnered with renewable energy tech and service supplier, Sero. It is anticipated that the innovative scheme, supported by £3.5m EU funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Government, will see the community generate as much as 60 per cent of their total electricity requirements, reducing bills as well as carbon emissions by as much 350 tonnes per year. Pobl has been engaging with local residents in Penderry about the future of their community over the last few years, including running a smart energy pilot scheme with a small number of residents. The energy retrofit, which will kick off in the New Year, is seen as a stepping-stone to a wider investment into the Penderry area that will have a positive impact across the entire community. According to Sero MD, James Williams, the project will make a compelling case for turning existing housing stock into low carbon, generative homes, creating “properly sustainable, connected communities”, and cutting energy bills for residents in the process. “Given its scale, Pobl’s investment in Penderry will be very significant in demonstrating the positive environmental impact that low carbon technologies can have within existing housing stock” he said. The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “The transformational nature of this project on social housing in Wales is significant and this has been recognised by the ERDF funding at a time when we need to address the Climate Emergency and create new jobs, training and innovation opportunities in our communities in response to Covid 19. “As one of the UKs largest energy retrofit projects, it shows a clear demonstration of the commitment from Pobl, local authorities and Wales’ social housing sector to reduce carbon emissions. “This innovative project in Penderry will not only make a difference to its residents but is another step to having more low carbon homes in Wales.” Sero will install individual or communal batteries for all homes that will harness power generated via linked solar panels fitted to most, so that renewable energy is generated and can be stored for subsequent use by the community. Every home will also have new smart thermostats and intelligent heating controls, managed through Sero’s digital app, to deliver energy bill savings for residents while also balancing demand from the grid so that stored energy is used at the most expensive times. The project will address new forms of inequality related to solar orientation by ensuring that all residents benefit from the energy generated by the community. The Penderry community will also benefit from large scale infrastructure upgrades, due to Western Power Distribution using this project as its national pilot to trial the positive effects on local grid infrastructure of renewable energy supplies and storage that are intelligently managed through trusted systems installed in people’s homes. Local resident Brian Mcallen participated in the pilot scheme and he welcomed news of the roll-out to the wider community, saying: “This scheme will have enormous benefits for the entire community, it allows people to really see how green energy works and how much money they can save to use elsewhere. It can be a real eye opener. “I’ve always been interested in it and thought about how we can use solar power to make a difference in this community, but there has to be an incentive for people. “ The scheme is the largest retrofit project of its kind – relating to the number of homes within one local area being retrofitted to deliver joined renewable energy benefits across the entire community. SWANSEA BAY CITY DEAL – HOMES AS POWER STATIONS PROJECT Lessons learned from the Penderry scheme will inform the wider roll-out of renewable energy technology in thousands of homes throughout the Swansea Bay City Region as part of a City Deal Homes as Power Stations project, subject to its approval by the UK Government and Welsh Government. Energy efficiency technology will be retrofitted to 7,000 homes with a further 3,300 new build homes also set to benefit as part of this regional project, which is led by Neath Port Talbot Council. Swansea Council has also already begun the revolution of creating new energy efficient homes in the city. A pilot scheme has been completed, retrofitting six bungalows with innovative energy saving equipment which has helped the properties generate their own power as well as save on energy bills. “Fuel prices and climate change are two sides of the same crisis, with people in Wales still among the most fuel-poor in the UK. We are committed to identifying new ways of making homes more environmentally and financially sustainable – and that includes our existing homes as well as our new developments. This means we need to be innovative in our approach to finding a transformative solution and we are delighted to partner with Sero. The scheme will introduce technology into our homes that will change lives and sustain communities while also looking after the planet for future generations.” Solitaire Pritchard, Head of Regeneration, Pobl Homes & Communities “This is great news for Swansea and for residents who want to live in homes which are sustainable and result in lower energy bills. Some of our own tenants are already benefitting from this type of development and it’s fantastic to know that Pobl are also ensuring those living in social housing in the city will benefit in the future. Jointly we can help reduce the risks of issues such as fuel and energy poverty.” Cllr Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes, Energy and Service Transformation, C&C of Swansea A pathfinder scheme of this kind has already been completed in Neath, which will also inform the Homes as Power Stations regional project being led by Neath Port Talbot Council, subject to its approval. Technology like this is important because it’ll help tackle fuel poverty and improve residents’ health and well-being, while benefitting regional supply chain businesses and further decarbonising the local and regional economies.” Cllr Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council “There is, quite rightly, a growing requirement for new homes to be created carbon neutral, and that can’t come
The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris Johnson announced £160m to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines to help the country ‘build back greener’, create 2,000 jobs in construction and support 60,000 more. Said Able UK Executive Chairman Pater Stephenson “That the Prime Minister, even in these difficult times, chooses to focus on the burgeoning offshore wind sector is proof positive that the Government is seeing the bigger picture and wishes to grasp this singular but time limited opportunity. “Of course, the reality is that before we can talk about manufacturing and maximising UK content, we need to put the building blocks in place and the fully consented Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) is uniquely placed to deliver the ideal UK solution. Working closely with a number if Government departments we are committed to bringing this development to fruition. “We are at varying stages of negotiation with a number of manufacturers who clearly recognise the strength of the UK’s offshore wind sector and who, just as significantly, are fully embracing the need to establish a new ‘world-scale’ industrial cluster on the Humber.” “Only last month the Korean manufacturer SeAH confirmed that it had signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with AMEP to establish what would be the UK’s first large-scale monopile production facility.”
The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties celebrating being recognised with two nominations and subsequent awards. IM Properties picked up two awards, one for Deal of the Year – over 250,000 sq ft for the JLR global logistics parts centre at Mercia Park which is the largest ever UK pre-let; and they were also awarded the prestigious award of Developer of the Year which was voted for by IAS members – recognising the continued successes of the business over the last 12 months and its contribution to the industry. Amongst an incredibly difficult backdrop over the last 12 months, we are thrilled to have been recognised and awarded for our continued work to bring forward key new developments that invest in the local community, deliver key infrastructure and assist with local economic recovery. Kevin Ashfield, UK Development Director for IM Properties said: “It is fantastic to not only be recognised for the hard work and perseverance and the huge team effort that went into the Mercia Park deal which will result in something hugely significant for the region, but to be declared the Developer of the Year makes me extremely proud of the team. We always push to achieve what we set out to and deliver schemes we can be proud of. A massive thank you to the Judges and the members that voted for us.” For more information on the awards please see: awards.industrialagentssociety.com.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) report released today (24 November 2020) on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. The report states that “the Government must improve on the detail if it is to demonstrate that its new building safety proposals will drive much needed reform in the sector…and that in its current form, the draft legislation fails to provide sufficient protection against leaseholders paying the bill for work to remedy existing fire safety defects.” The CIOB formally responded to the call for evidence and are supportive of the Committee’s recommendations. It is particularly pleased to see the Committee call for more detail around the yet unpublished secondary legislation to remove any doubt on the scope of the legislation and the responsibilities on building operators. Additionally, it is positive that the Committee have acknowledged the importance of accreditation to ensure that stakeholders have the confidence in the competence of persons undertaking the new building safety manager role. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Bill drives forward reform and remedies the flaws in the existing system as identified in the Hackitt review. The Committee’s report can be accessed here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmcomloc/466/466.pdf
Boutique property company MELT Homes is celebrating the official launch of Lime Grove; a stunning new development in Tuffley, Gloucestershire. Complying with current social distancing regulations, the MELT team is inviting interested buyers to visit the new show home to learn all about the developments’ 19 homes that are being built on the former premises of Tuffley Primary School. Alternatively, house hunters can carry out a virtual viewing. With prices starting from £210,000, all of the homes benefit from the stamp duty holiday and can be purchased using Help to Buy. Having stood empty since 2014, the dilapidated building, which also briefly housed the Tuffley Resource Centre, had been in dire need of a new purpose. MELT secured planning permission to create Lime Grove; a residential community that puts particular emphasis on sustainability. Already incorporating the government’s Future Homes Standard 2025, which asks for new homes to be built without gas boilers, Lime Grove will be a completely gas-free development. In addition, all properties will utilise Ground Source Heat Pumps, a highly efficient, renewable energy source that has a low environmental impact and reduces carbon output by as much as 70%. Evan Maindonald, CEO and Founder at MELT comments: “Integrating a new residential community into an existing neighbourhood is a delicate matter. We wanted to ensure that Lime Grove’s design combines technical innovation with timeless exteriors that reflect Tuffley’s surroundings. We are delighted that the feedback during our show home launch has been extremely positive and are looking forward to welcoming our first residents in the near future.” …/ MELT’s forward-thinking and sustainable approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Most recently, Lime Grove scooped up three awards at this year’s UK Property Awards, including recognition for its architectural design and layout. Maindonald adds: “The existing structure of the school building is being protected and preserved but will benefit from a 21st century makeover to feature seven stunning two- and three-bedroom apartments. Naturally, we have named these ‘Schoolhouse Apartments’ to pay tribute to the building’s history. In addition to the apartments, we are creating 12 new family homes, using timber frames; one of the most sustainable building materials available.” Located on the surrounding grounds of the apartment building, the houses are part of either ‘The Oak’, ‘The Lime’ or ‘The London’ collection. The latter differentiates itself by consisting of four semi-detached four-bedroom houses, whereas ‘The Oak’ and ‘The Lime’ properties are detached and feature either five or four bedrooms. All family homes boast private gardens and the apartments benefit from their own outside space as well. To celebrate the school’s Victorian architecture and design, the exterior of the newly-built homes will feature a colour scheme that mirrors that of the existing building. Equal attention to detail is being paid to the properties’ interiors, which flawlessly connect each room to create a homely feel. Whilst the Schoolhouse Apartments measure between 595 to 959 sq. ft. and embrace the building’s Victorian architecture with high ceilings and spacious layouts, the family homes are spread across three storeys, ranging from 1,270 to 1,935 sq. ft. in size. Branded fixtures contribute to the residences’ high-quality feel and include stylish Paula Rosa kitchens with Siemens and Neff appliances as well as bathrooms that are embellished with elegant Villeroy & Boch suites. With the first of Lime Grove’s three building phases due to complete this winter, interested buyers are invited to visit the newly opened show home located at Grange Road, Tuffley, Gloucester, GL4 0DJ. Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm, Friday to Monday and due to COVID restrictions by appointment only. To book your time slot, please contact MELT’s friendly team on 01452 346 174, email sales@limegrovegloucester.co.uk or visit www.limegrovegloucester.co.uk
Grade II-listed market building reimagined for community use as a cinema, restaurants and bars Proposals to transform the Grade II-listed Former Covered Market and surrounding land in Woolwich, SE18, into a sustainable new neighbourhood with an estimated GDV of £400 million have been submitted to the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Preserving Woolwich’s heritage The proposals for Woolwich Exchange retain the historic Former Covered Market building on Plumstead Road. The building will become home to a new five-screen Picturehouse cinema, cafés, bars and restaurants allowing visitors to experience the expansive Lamella roof structure which was the main focus of the decision to list the building in 2018. Picturehouse, which has confirmed its commitment to the scheme despite the current challenges facing the cinema industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, will open Woolwich’s first cinema in a generation following the closure of the Coronet in 1999. The Former Covered Market is currently closed to the public. The proposals reimagine the space and open it up for the whole community to enjoy. Extensive consultation with the Woolwich community has helped shape the plans and shown very high levels of support for the regeneration. The community requested historic elements of existing buildings were incorporated into the design, to help tie the new development’s identity to Woolwich’s heritage. As a result, several of the historic buildings on Woolwich New Road will be preserved and enhanced as part of the final plans. A sustainable development, built for the future Woolwich Exchange includes 801 homes, designed for flexible living, with space to live and work at home. 158 of the homes will be offered as affordable tenures and include a large number of much needed family-sized properties. The scheme will also provide a nursery, children’s play space, a gym and workspace. The Energy Strategy across the whole development will see savings in CO2 emissions of over 50% compared to the requirements defined by building regulations. The proposals feature new green, public spaces at the heart of the site, with extensive planting, benches and alfresco tables for cafés, bars and restaurants, offering a new, outdoor environment in the middle of Woolwich town centre, as well as promoting urban biodiversity. A well-connected site on the Elizabeth Line Woolwich Exchange is in TfL’s Zone 4 and sits between Berkeley’s Royal Arsenal Riverside development which includes the Elizabeth Line’s Woolwich Station (Crossrail), and the Woolwich Arsenal DLR and National Rail stations. With numerous bus routes passing along the edge of the site, Woolwich Exchange is superbly located to attract new residents and visitors from all over London. New pedestrian and cycle routes across the car-free development will create pleasant connections to different parts of the town centre. Creating jobs and boosting the local economy The regeneration will trigger a major boost to Woolwich’s daytime and evening economy, generating over 600 temporary jobs during the construction phase and nearly 200 permanent jobs in the retail, leisure and employment spaces that will be created. Plans for the site represent a major investment and commitment in the future of Woolwich, with the development estimated to add £60 million per year to the local economy during construction, and £10 million a year once complete. The plans have been developed by a joint venture partnership between developer St. Modwen and housing association Notting Hill Genesis, which was appointed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver the scheme. Although we’ve been working on these plans over a number of years, the changes in the way people work and spend their leisure time as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have confirmed our desire to create a neighbourhood that offers it all: space to live, work, socialise and enjoy – both indoors and outdoors. Woolwich Exchange will be a place for everyone, existing residents as well as newcomers, which is why we have designed our proposals to encourage visitors and passers-by into the area. Our plans will create new connections, boost the local economy and generate new jobs, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the local community to deliver them.” Gary Morris, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen From the outset, we’ve been focused on delivering high quality and energy efficient affordable homes and facilities for the community at Woolwich Exchange. It has been great to see the positive feedback we’ve received from the community and see this shape the final plans. We believe we’ve retained and reflected the unique identity of Woolwich in this new scheme, while creating a well-designed, sustainable development that offers something for everyone.” John Hughes, Group Director of Development at Notting Hill Genesis Designed by award-winning architects Panter Hudspith and Glenn Howells, with landscape design delivered by HTA, construction could begin in 2023 if the plans are approved by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the GLA next year. For more information or to sign up for updates, visit woolwichexchange.co.uk The development team can be contacted on 020 7323 3544 or info@woolwichexchange.co.uk
New 12,000 sq. ft. office building to be built in South Shields will become the towns new relocated Jobcentre Plus. GMI Construction Group has announced that it has been awarded a contract by long-time customer and urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments to construct a new 12,000 sq. ft. office for the Department for Work and Pensions in South Shields. The contract will see construction of a new purpose-built BREEAM ‘Very good’ rated building which will serve as the town’s new relocated Jobcentre Plus. Approved by South Tyneside Council It will feature as part of the wider repurposing of South Shields town centre. The scheme will see the current branch in Barrington Street moved to the new purpose-built facility on Mile End Road. Talking about the instruction Lee Powell GMI Divisional Managing Director said: “We are pleased to have been awarded this important new build contract by Muse Developments and to continue GMI’s successful partnership and affinity with them. We are also pleased to be working with the DWP for the first time and to be delivering for South Tyneside Council. This project compliments our portfolio of completed public sector office buildings including the successful delivery of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s 200,000 sq ft state of the art civic centre and offices, as well as the award winning 33 Wellington Street office building in Leeds for our client Lancashire County Council, a building that is more noticeable as law firm Walker Morris’ headquarters. We look forward to delivering the project on time and on budget and working with the full project team.” Muse – one of the UK’s best at delivering transformational town and city centre regeneration – has been working with South Tyneside Council to deliver the council’s 365 Regeneration masterplan, which has brought forward two statement schemes; the South Shields Interchange, and the National Centre for the Written Word – The Word. David Wells, regional director at Muse Developments, said: “Everyone involved with the South Shields scheme has been working tirelessly to make sure the scheme delivers for our partners at the council and the DWP and we’re delighted to get approval for the new facilities. “This building is key to our collective ambition to deliver a new repurposed town centre. Working collaboratively with South Tyneside Council, we’ll continue to transform the town centre, driving both economic and social prosperity for all and importantly bringing a new vibrancy to South Shields. We look forward to once again working with our trusted partner GMI” The scheme is anticipated to start on site later in the year, with a 12-month build programme.